Wild Horse Window

Wild Horse Window is a beautiful natural bridge situated in the ceiling of a grand alcove, just minutes north of popular Goblin Valley State Park. The route to Wild Horse Window is easy at just 2 miles round trip but does require some route-finding across the vast sandstone slopes of the San Rafael Reef.

This hike is suitable for most healthy adults and children.*

The hike to Wild Horse Window begins at an unsigned parking area, about 6 miles north of Goblin Valley State Park (38.647528,-110.662703).

Reaching the trailhead from Green River, Utah:

Drive west on Interstate 70 for about 11 miles to Exit 149 for Highway 24.

Continue south on Highway 24 for approximately 24.2 miles.

Turn right at the signed turnoff to Goblin Valley via the Temple Mountain Road.

Drive 5.2 miles then turn left onto Goblin Valley Road.

Continue for approximately 0.3 miles and turn onto the third dirt road on the right (38.649602,-110.658117).

Drive on the dirt road for 0.3 miles to the parking area (38.647528,-110.662703).

There is no signage present at the junction or the trailhead. The trailhead consists of a circular parking area with a clear trail heading down the hill from the west side and a short road continuing south. Most passenger cars should have no problem with the dirt road to the parking area.

From the parking area, look out to the San Rafael Reef to the west. A dark cave-like feature is clearly visible, just north of Wild Horse Canyon. This cave feature is next to Wild Horse Window and can be used to aid in navigation for much of the hike.

Begin hiking down the well-worn path heading west from the parking area. The trail winds down into Temple Wash and crosses over a small ridge before it begins ascending the sandstone slopes of the San Rafael Reef.

Continue hiking up the reef toward Wild Horse Window. The trail is marked by rock cairns but can be difficult to follow at times. The key is to stay high on the most prominent ridge, heading directly toward the cave you saw from the trailhead.

After about a half mile, the sandstone ridge reaches a crest. Descend into the small drainage ahead to the start of a sandy trail (38.651339,-110.670346). From here navigation becomes much easier, just stay in the drainage all the way to Wild Horse Window.

On the final approach to Wild Horse Window, the canyon becomes much narrower and a few large potholes are encountered. Work your way around the potholes before reaching Wild Horse Window, approximately 1.0 mile from the trailhead (38.653463,-110.676511).

Wild Horse Window has gone by a handful of different names over the years including Skylight Arch, Eye of Sinbad and Eyes of the San Rafael. The twin caves certainly resemble a pair of dark, ominous eyes while the arch itself looks like a single eye peering down from above with streaks of swirling desert varnish adding to the dramatic feel.

Return to the trailhead the way you came. Total hiking distance is approximately 2.0 miles round trip.

No littering.

Pack out trash.

Do not make marks or carvings on rocks and canyon walls.

This hike can be very hot and little shade is available. Carry plenty of water.